Boston-based The Boston Beer Co., makers of Samuel Adams beer, announced at the Annual Craft Brewers Conference in Nashville a donation of $225,000 to the National Black Brewers Association (NB2A).

This donation was timed to the launch of the NB2A, an organization dedicated to addressing underrepresentation of Black people in the brewing industry.

"We're thrilled to receive this generous donation from Boston Beer Company. Partnerships with household names like the Boston Beer Company are essential to the success and growth of organizations like ours,” said Kevin Johnson, founder of the NB2A, in a statement. “With their support and resources, we're better equipped to provide the necessary tools and opportunities for Black brewers and brewery owners to thrive. We believe that by working together, we can create a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable industry that benefits everyone."

Jennifer Glanville Love, director of partnerships at Boston Beer Co., added: "Boston Beer Company is proud to be an inaugural supporter of the National Black Brewers Association to champion and amplify Black brewers and brewery owners who, today, represent less than 1% of the brewing community. Backed by Samuel Adams Brewing The American Dream, Boston Beer will provide the necessary funding and valuable beer and business resources to help cultivate and grow the Black brewing community."

The NB2A is governed by a dynamic Board of Directors composed of the most experienced and successful Black brewery owners and brew masters across the country.

The donation from Boston Beer Co. is a significant step forward in promoting diversity and inclusion in the brewing industry, it says. The NB2A will use the funds to support its mission of empowering Black brewers and brewery owners to create a more equitable and inclusive industry for all, it adds.